Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Ferris that the service provided by An Post across the country is very important and is appreciated by the people of Ireland. I have no doubt about that. The universal service obligation enshrined in this legislation will protect that important aspect of An Post. Deputy Joan Collins quoted an example from Holland, but I have no intention - neither does the Government - of privatising An Post. It will not happen while this Government is in office.

Deputy Ó Cuív states that the law is not absolute, and of course he is right. The Minister has reserved rights under the legislation to give a policy direction if he or she thinks it is appropriate to do so. It is entirely proper that the Minister should reserve that right, but it can be only exercised consistent with the law. Deputy Ó Cuív asks how I can argue that there is absolute independence while the Minister's consent is called for, but he has been advocating that the Minister's consent be enshrined in the Bill since we started the debate.

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